Follow these strategies to overcome the standard Negative Nancies and naysayers in your life.

Some of these coping skills will also work on narcissists, but make sure you check out the links at the end of this post for additional information.

1. Own the term “Need-t0-Know Basis” and keep your narcissist and any other negative people on the outside of your inside circle. Keep your aspirations to yourself and a few trusted friends or colleagues. It’s commonly suggested that you make your goals public. The fear of embarrassing yourself is supposed to be motivating. But several studies have shown that announcing your goals isn’t always a good strategy.

The bigger your goals, the more likely you are to receive negative comments. If you’re sensitive to the criticism of others, this type of feedback can derail your efforts.

Of course, you can inform everyone when you’ve accomplished your goal!

2. Fall in love with yourself a little. Remind yourself of your positive qualities. If you’re starting to doubt yourself, remind yourself of your best qualities. Make a long list and focus on it until you’re feeling capable again. If you need help, get help from a supportive friend.

3. Don’t take it personally. When others are unnecessarily negative, it reveals more about them than it does about you. No one knows enough about your personal business to have an accurate opinion anyway.

4. Keep your eye on the prize! And always keep your vision in mind. It’s easy to become discouraged when you’re on the receiving end of discouraging comments. Go back to the big picture and remind yourself of your goals. See in your mind how great the results will be. Imagine how satisfying it will be when you’re proven correct. Nothing is quite as sweet.

5. You can’t expect a fish to ride a bike. So be sure to consider the source of the feedback. Are you trying to launch your own company? Criticism from someone that’s always had a corporate job isn’t valid. Unless the other person has accomplished your goal, consider their advice worthless. You wouldn’t take stock tips from a man living on a park bench. Most of the advice we receive is similar in value.

However, a mentor can be a valuable addition to your life. The right mentor will have accomplished your goal. Perhaps they even started from a similar point as you. Ideally, they’ll also be supportive and encouraging.

6. Review your “greatest hits!” Make a list of your greatest achievements. Write down every experience you’ve had that makes you feel successful. You’ve already done some amazing things. The naysayers in your life don’t know about most of those things. That’s just another reason why their opinions are irrelevant.

7. Develop selective hearing. Learn to ignore the noise. Have faith in yourself and avoid allowing others to control your thoughts or emotions.

8. Smile, and mean it. When you show others that you won’t be affected by their unkind words, they’ll eventually stop. Smiling will also improve your mood and lower your blood pressure. Smiling is also free.

9. Find a network of support. Rely on supportive people. We all have that friend that seems to think we can do anything. Instead of dealing with the naysayers, surround yourself with people that support your efforts and believe in you. The difference is staggering.

10. Never stop believing you can. I know it sounds sort of cliche, but let’s be honest – we all know someone who, despite all odds, made something amazing happen. Why can’t you be one of those people? You can, if you believe that you can. It’s a basic of the universal law of attraction, my friend. You’ve got this.

If your naysayer is also a narcissist, check out these posts for additional information on how to handle the situation.

Narcissists or not, the Negative Nancies, jerks, rude people and naysayers will always be there.

Every great achievement was preceded by numerous naysayers giving their two cents. You can’t allow others – even narcissists – to derail your plans. Be confident that you can accomplish anything. Project your success into the future and remind yourself of your past successes.

Need more help? Check Out My Books & eBooks on Narcissism and Relationships